Discover Esposito's Distinct Villain Role in Megalopolis

Giancarlo Esposito has had a distinguished and extensive career in the entertainment industry, especially recently for his notable villainous roles. His performances in shows like Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian have made him a standout figure across multiple genres. He even took the stage with Antony Starr and Kathy Bates at the recent Emmys, highlighting the rich legacy of antagonistic characters in film.

In Megalopolis, Esposito takes on the role of Mayor Franklyn Cicero, the head of New Rome in Francis Ford Coppola's latest project. While Cicero shares traits with characters like Gus Fring and Stan Edgar, Esposito views him as a more nuanced villain. "He represents a different kind of antagonist," Esposito explained during a Zoom interview with Entertainment Weekly. "He likely began with good intentions but became tainted by greed and corruption that existed before him."

Describing the plot and underlying themes of Megalopolis is no small feat, yet Esposito has stepped up to promote the film. His connection to the project began 37 years ago when Coppola was casting for an early draft of the script. After a long hiatus, the director reached out to Esposito again last year, prompting him to delve into the historical inspirations behind the narrative.

Megalopolis is presented as "A Fable" and is partially inspired by the Catalinarian conspiracy, a significant political struggle from the late Roman Republic. The characters are named after historical figures, with Cesar Catalina (played by Adam Driver) aiming to construct a modern city using a special material called Megalon, while Cicero embodies the entrenched interests of the current power structure, reflecting today’s societal demands.

Esposito discussed the challenge of portraying a character whose description implies straightforward villainy. "It’s challenging to play someone characterized as outdated and corrupt," he noted. "However, he’s not purely malicious; he understands the essential needs of the people—stability, nourishment, and reliable support."

The film suggests that despite the apparent opposition, a resolution emerges through love, as Catalina becomes romantically involved with Cicero's daughter, Julia (portrayed by Nathalie Emmanuel). Esposito expressed his desire to illustrate how family connections can inspire change. "I wanted to explore how this character could evolve through Catalina's relationship with Cicero's daughter," he said.

Coppola conveyed a poignant message during a recent screening: “We’re all family here,” a sentiment that deeply resonated with Esposito. He believes this idea beautifully encapsulates the film’s overarching message of hope.

Megalopolis is scheduled for release in theaters on September 27.